ICS – Internet connection sharing

Internet connection sharing (ICS) is a method for connecting multiple computers in a LAN to the Internet through a single connection and a single IP address. ICS typically uses NAT technologies to achieve this and works with most connection technologies, including DSL, cable, ISDN, dial-up and satellite. The device with the modem or broadband interface that establishes the connection to the Internet is called the ICS host, or gateway while the other devices that connect to the Internet via the network and the ICS host are called ICS clients. If the ICS host fails, then all of the ICS clients lose their Internet connection.

Sharing an Internet connection can be achieved through either software or hardware solutions. All versions of Windows from Windows 98 and on have ICS software included in the operating system. However, there are also products such as WinGate and WinProxy, which are third-party shareware alternatives that will turn a computer into a gateway or proxy server. Hardware solutions involve a NAT-based hardware routerthat is connected directly to the Internet connection adapter, and each ICS client is then connected to the router.

Also referred to as simply Internet sharing, on Linux systems, this is called IP masquerading.

Webopedia Staff
Webopedia Staff
Since 1995, more than 100 tech experts and researchers have kept Webopedia’s definitions, articles, and study guides up to date. For more information on current editorial staff, please visit our About page.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts a device's Internet access through a secure server. It is most frequently used for remote employees accessing a...

Gantt Chart

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule and shows the dependency between tasks and the current schedule...

Input Sanitization

Input sanitization is a cybersecurity measure of checking, cleaning, and filtering data inputs from users, APIs, and web services of any unwanted characters and...

IT Asset Management Software

IT asset management software (ITAM software) is an application for organizing, recording, and tracking all of an organization s hardware and software assets throughout...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...